// SPECIES PROFILE · GRASS · NATIVE

Purple threeawn

Aristida purpurea

Purple threeawn (Aristida purpurea) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, OK. Hardy in zones 2a–11a. Blooms Apr–Oct.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: grass
Native range: Native to 25 U.S. states, including AR, AZ, CA, CO, IA, ID…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2a–11a
Mature size: —
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: Apr–Oct
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Purple threeawn (Aristida purpurea) — *Aristida purpurea* — Purple threeawn. Photo by User:Stan Shebs via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Purple threeawn (Aristida purpurea) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, OK. Hardy in zones 2a–11a. Blooms Apr–Oct. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, purple threeawn pairs naturally with: Awlfruit sedge (Carex stipata), Broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia), Smooth brome (Bromus inermis), Bearded flatsedge (Cyperus squarrosus).